One of the best things about travel is getting to taste wonderfully diverse dishes from around the world, and these foodie hotels make it a cinch.
As well as sampling regional foods, eating your way around the globe means so many different experiences. It’s bagging a sought-after table at restaurants owned by a famous chef; joining local diners in queues for street-food stalls; and pulling up a chair at a traditional eatery, all in the pursuit of discovering flavour combinations you’d never expected before.
These top foodie hotels are based in some of the world’s best dining destinations, where you’ll find some exceptional restaurants to boot.
1. Parador de Nerja, Nerja, Malaga
This clifftop hotel in Malaga combines modern class with spectacular scenery. There’s a private lift down to Burriana Beach below, or you can simply enjoy the view out to sea as you enjoy breakfast on your sundrenched balcony. At dinner time, head down to the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant El Ombú del Mediterráneo. It specialises in regional Andalusian cuisine, with a big focus on seafood. Order specialities like boquerones (anchovies marinated in herby vinegar), avocado salad with mojama (air-dried tuna) and juicy white prawns from Malaga – all tailormade for dining on the expansive restaurant terrace. Fancy something more rough and ready? The seafront town of Nerja – and its quaint tapas bars – is just a 10-minute stroll away.
2. Ohla Barcelona, Barcelona
This stunning foodie hotel in the heart of Barcelona – straddling the Barri Gòtic and Born areas – is a foodie’s dream come true. Not only is it 10 minutes’ walk from the famous La Boqueria market, it also has three eateries, all led by acclaimed chef Romain Fornell. The most famous is the Michelin-starred Caelis, which offers three delicate and exploratory tasting menus (including a vegetarian one). Fornell is also behind the restaurant’s buffet breakfast, which highlights local produce. If that’s not enough, the hotel also has a swish rooftop swimming pool and a cocktail bar staffed with award-toting mixologists.
3. The Mark Hotel, New York City
For a luxurious foodie stay in the Big Apple, look no further than The Mark. This legendary five-star on the Upper East Side is famous for its fine suites and even finer dining. It will soon be home to New York’s first Caviar Kaspia restaurant and boutique – a cult Parisian eatery has been perfecting the art of caviar since 1927. Then there’s The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, which offers seasonal French-American dishes in sophisticated, low-lit surrounds. If you only order one thing, make it the chef’s take on the classic cheeseburger, topped with brie and black truffle dressing. Post dinner, perch on a hide-print stool at The Mark Bar and enjoy an expertly mixed nightcap (probably next to a celebrity or two).
4. Can Alomar Hotel, Palma, Mallorca
This adults-only boutique foodie hotel is tucked away in a chic square at the heart of Palma Mallorca. As well as sumptuous accommodation, it also has an acclaimed restaurant – De Tokio a Lima (From Tokyo to Lima). Locals and hotel guests both flock here to try the creative menu of Japanese, Peruvian and Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Dishes are seasonal, breathing life into local ingredients. For the best people watching, snap up a table on the roof terrace overlooking Paseo del Borne. And, if you really want a treat, go for the Veuve Clicquot tasting menu. It includes four glasses of Champagne alongside salmon tataki with pico de gallo salsa, roast vegetable ceviche and glazed Iberico pork with papaya salad.
5. Vila Vita Parc, the Algarve
Renowned as one of the Algarve’s most luxurious resorts, and one of its best foodie hotels, Vila Vita Parc has everything you could need for a relaxing break. As well as ocean views, a world-class spa and excellent nearby golfing, it’s renowned throughout the region for its 11 incredible eateries. Splash out with the tasting menu at the two-Michelin Ocean restaurant helmed by Chef Hans Neuner – arguably the best fine dining experience in Portugal – or, of a casual afternoon, check out the Bavarian-inspired beer garden, where crisp beer is served alongside house-made sausages. Other options include an excellent sushi bar, an Arabic-inspired grill and two restaurants celebrating local cuisine. Wine lovers will be impressed by the hotel’s cellar – with more than 1200 bottles, it’s the largest private wine collection in Portugal.
6. Sumahan – on the Water, Istanbul
With its stunning waterfront location – inside an Ottoman-era suma distillery, no less – this hotel on the Asian side of the Bosphorus makes for a fab foodie base. It’s in Istanbul’s Çengelköy neighbourhood, known for its excellent seafood restaurants. Start your day with the hotel’s exceptional take on a full Turkish breakfast, including fresh bread, soft goat cheese and home-made preserves. Or if you’re a later riser, the casual-chic restaurant serves a mix of international and Turkish dishes all day. But the real standout is the drinks list. As well as local Turkish wines to discover, you’ll also find an impressive range of raki (which is made from suma, the fig-syrup spirit once distilled in this building).
7. The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin
Set inside a Victorian townhouse in the centre of Dublin, The Wilder makes an excellent base for your Irish city break. A standout feature is the thoughtful breakfast, served in the pretty garden room (and outside on warm days). The spread includes a continental buffet featuring homemade sourdough, fruit salads and crunchy granola, followed by your choice of warm dish from the a la carte menu. Go for a classic Full Irish Breakfast, or keep it hipster with smashed avocado and poached eggs on toast. The hotel also offers light bites throughout the day. In the evening, the on-site Gin and Tea Rooms is the only place to be for signature cocktails crafted from artisan Irish spirits.
Are you ready to book a food-focused trip?
It’s easy to find your perfect foodie hotel with Skyscanner: simply type in your destination and dates. You can use the filters to find hotels with breakfast – or all meals – included, and check the reviews to see what other guests are saying about the on-site eats.
Read more tips on food travel
- Best destinations for foodies: not sure where you start your foodie odyssey? Check out our rundown of the best places to visit.
- From farm to fork: a food lover’s guide to California: discover the best places to eat in the sunshine state.
- Best all-inclusive hotels for a relaxing break: stay at one of these foodie hotels for carefree indulgence.
